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Dud Yashica Mat 124 for $200CLA or return?

drsnowball

Member
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Joined
Apr 5, 2026
Messages
8
Location
Washington DC
Format
35mm
Hi all, newbie here trying to figure out a cost effective way to play around with medium format after shooting digital for years. In short, my newly bought $200 Yashica 124 needs a CLA for $300-400 or goes back.

I picked up a Yashica Mat 124 (non-G) for $200. The meter is broken but the listing otherwise described it as working.
The lenses seem OK except for some cleaning smudges on the taking lens—I’m waiting for a test roll to come back to me Monday.

That said, after shooting the test roll, the shutter has started to stick on opening. Is a CLA worth it, or should I just return this camera and aim to buy an already-CLA’d camera? I’m getting CLA quotes for $300-400 in my area, and I’m getting gunshy at $600 all-in for a Yashica…
 
I got my Yashica 124G new in 1975 for $115. Inflation calculator indicates that is about $700 today. If that helps you decide.
 
Based purely on what you've said, I'd send it back.
 
I would send it back, without the working meter best buy is the D with 4 element taking lens and 2.8 viewing lens. lacks the crank advance which I like as it is easy to shoot multiple exposures. For $500 you can get a Rollie-cord.
 
This situation is part of the old-camera hobby. The cost of a proper overhaul generally exceeds the cost of the old camera. The only way around it seems to be DIY overhaul, and even that sometimes is costly because it's not unusual for the first attempt to fail of the cost of tools, etc.

As to whether a CLA is "worth it" or not you need to answer a question about your goals: Do you need/desire a reliable camera or are you willing to take chances?

I agree that $600 all-in for a Yashica is a lot of money...
 
Send it back. Life is too short for agony.

For $500 you can get a serviced Autocord or Rolleicord. If you are patient, you can also get a well functioning Rolleiflex Automat for that money.

For $200-300, you can get a nice Diacord or another Yashica TLR that is fully working.
 
I'd send it back, I would not pay 200 (€ or $) for a TLR needing that amount of service
 
Thanks everyone. The impulse to just keep and fix is real, but this is confirming what I suspected — it’s a bad use of the money. I’ll start the return process.

Disappointed I’m not joining the TLR gang yet but I will continue to keep my eye out.
 
MARTIE said:
Is there any specific reason you went for a Yashica rather than say a Mamiya tlr?
Click to expand...

Size/weight and cost. The Mamiya C line looks like a tank and my primary carry is already a Nikon z6iii. Open to reconsidering Mamiya or other brands at this point though!
 
Sounds like the seller doused the shutter with lighter fluid to get it working for a little while (i.e., long enough to sell without it being returned). Generally, a leaf shutter won't start to stick on its own when actually using the camera.

The meter on one of those is close to a best guess when working - I wouldn't bother worrying about it.
 
Don_ih said:
Patience and searching would eventually get you an affordable working Rolleicord....
Click to expand...

I’ve seen a lot of back and forth on where Rolleicords fall on reliability and image quality compared to the later Yashicas. Any tips on which versions I should hunt for? Vb seems like a good option for me.

I will admit, my one week trial with the Yashica really spoiled me on the top view aperture/shutter speed.
 
The weakness of Yashica's is poor flocking, I have a 124 and D, I bought flocking kits in the 90s which helped with flare. The D came in 2 models but are not marked, the early with 3 element taking lens and 3.5 viewing lens and the later 4 element with 2.8 taking lens. If I were in the market for a TLR it would be a Mamiya 220 with the 80mm 2.8. Lighter than the 330 F, same bellows for close up and takes all the lens.
 
Paul Howell said:
The D came in 2 models but are not marked, the early with 3 element taking lens and 3.5 viewing lens and the later 4 element with 2.8 taking lens.
Click to expand...
They are marked on the taking (which is f/3.5 in both cases; it's the viewing lens that increased to 2.8). The Yashikor lens is 3 elements. The Yashinon lens is 4 element.

I think that Yashica ran out of the Yashikor lenses and decided to just throw Yashinons on the Ds rather than ramp up another production for the Yashikors. Probably why the bottom knob for opening the back went from silver to the black of the Yashica 124g.
 
Fujicaman1957 said:
Email Mark Hama. He's one of the guru's of Yashica repairs. markhama124@gmail.com. Enter "camera repair" in the subject line"
Click to expand...

Anybody know if he’s still active? I emailed him twice the last few weeks, no luck on a response.
I’ll take a closer look at the 220. Just a quick search without much research I’m seeing $300-400 for that configuration. I’m good with that price, still worried about the bulk though.
 

I've got both, a Yashica 124G and a Mamiya C220 Professional f.
Just say if you need to know anything about a comparison.
 
MARTIE said:
I've got both, a Yashica 124G and a Mamiya C220 Professional f.
Just say if you need to know anything about a comparison.
Click to expand...

Would you ever take the Mamiya traveling or on an extended photo walk/hike out for landscapes? That’s going to be my main use, alongside my existing Nikon digital kit. Amateur hobbyist sort of stuff.

My sense is I should stick to the Yashicas and various ‘cords; and that if I wanted interchangeable lenses outside of a studio/tripod situation, I need to look at medium format SLRs.
 
If you want a TLR that’s ideal for travel, look at Rolleicord Vb. Light and great quality images.
 

No doubt, the Yashica 124G is more compact but in all other respects, the Mamiya shines, especially with interchangeable lenses.
 
BrianShaw said:
If you want a TLR that’s ideal for travel, look at Rolleicord Vb. Light and great quality images.
Click to expand...

Noted, thanks. I’ll take a closer look for this model.

MARTIE said:
No doubt, the Yashica 124G is more compact but in all other respects, the Mamiya shines, especially with interchangeable lenses.
Click to expand...

Thanks, and yeah, that’s about what I’ve expected. I’ll see if I can go hands on with a Mamiya but if I’m going to give up on the small TLRs I think I may just end up going all the way to an RB67!
 
Make yourself a quick cardboard box of the dimensions of a Mamiya. See if that looks reasonable for you for hiking, etc. People do it; other people wouldn't do it. Its advantages are very real, interchangeable lenses and the bellows. Weight and size are going to be personal.

On the Rolleicords, all models from 3 forward are basically the same. 4 forward has double exposure prevention. 5/V has a different double exposure prevention button but that's about it. Va and Vb allow for exchanging the frame counter, leading to 6x4.5 with the right kit. Vb has an interchangable screen.

On any of these, condition is the most important thing. Minolta Autocord is another very nice medium level TLR. As is the Kalloflex. Patience will be needed.

You've past the first and major issue of TLRs- you like the viewing system.
 
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